HOLY SPIRIT series #5.     Rom 12.1,2

The purpose of this series about the Holy Spirit is to answer the question, "How?" The answer is encompassed in the little word "In.." You in Christ, and Christ in you. There is no other way to live the Christian life. I firmly believe that there are a few who want to live consistently under the control of the Holy Spirit, but are not...and that is a tragedy.

To abide in Christ one has to know and believe several things. First, much daily quality time with God is a priority. There must also be serious intent to be obedient to God in everything. The realization that we are dead to sin and alive to God must be real to you, not just a doctrine. Further...no one can walk with God without humility. Only a 'few' really want to! "few"... is a key word, unfortunately.

Jesus said there would be 'few'-He said the gate is narrow - that not many would 'get it.' Even when they heard Jesus Himself, and saw His life and heard His gracious words...only a few chose to die to self, and follow Him and do only His will. Jesus listed several tough conditions for those who wished to be His disciples. Not many did, but the few who did, changed the world!

Read Romans 12.1 & 2. These two verses are totally awesome. Verse 1 speaks of entire and total commitment to God, which is "your reasonable, rational, intelligent service." I love that "reasonable, rational, intelligent" part. It is predicated on your reading and understanding and submitting to all that has been said in the first eleven chapters of Romans. Without that study, it would not be "intelligent and rational." Those words are in the aorist tense in the Greek, which means that it happens at a specific time, like driving a stake. [Have you done that?] Verse 2 talks about the daily renewal of your mind. This verse is present linear tense...an on-going, daily, continuous 'renewal.' 

To put it another way, it is not a blind leap of faith, but an intelligent choice to live the way God has planned, which is the best possible, sensible way. Why would any one choose to do otherwise, when we can choose to be one of "the few?"

bh June 9, 2007
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